Jamesville man accused of abusing 6 teens wants it both ways in court

Syracuse, NY -- A Jamesville man accused of sexually abusing six teenagers had a choice Tuesday: take six to eight years in prison as part of a plea deal, or face a much longer punishment if convicted later.

Robert Schad, 58, of 3813 Coleman Hill Road, argued that he should be freed from jail while he mulled over the plea offer. Even better, the charges should be dismissed on speedy trial grounds, he said. But his logic contradicted itself.

On the one hand, Schad said that he needed more time to think it over because he was struggling with unknown mental issues that he claimed clouded his memory. He had no documentation for such an illness, but claimed that the jail infirmary had been performing tests on him.

On the other hand, he accused prosecutors of taking too long and argued he should be freed because the case hadn’t been presented to a grand jury yet.

The defendant “cannot have it both ways,” prosecutor Maureen Barry responded. “He cannot ask for adjournments and claim speedy trial.”

State Supreme Court Justice Gordon Cuffy wasn’t impressed either. He ruled that the plea offer -- including two felonies and numerous misdemeanors -- was off the table. Prosecutors were free to indict Schad.

Schad is facing multiiple sex abuse, criminal sex act and disseminating indecent material charges relating to victims ranging from 13 to 16 years old, Syracuse police said. It’s unclear where the abuse took place or why city police were involved.

If indicted, Schad could face punishment for each of the six victims, if convicted. Much of the abuse carries a possible 7-year prison sentence, per victim. That could land Schad in prison for decades.

Schad repeated that he he wanted more time to consider the plea offer. Cuffy said his time was over.

Barry is now expected to indict Schad. That will require the victims testifying before the grand jury. If Schad takes the case to trial, they’ll have to testify in open court.

If things get that far, and Schad is convicted, expect the prosecutor and judge to seek a much longer prison term. The exact maximum prison term was not calculated Tuesday in court.